TWO-WHEEL FERRARI STARS IN UK AUCTION

The bike was created by David Kay Engineering in the UK as a tribute to the late Enzo Ferrari. Somewhat surprisingly, Enzo's son, Piero, granted permission for the largely bespoke bike to wear the famous 'prancing horse' badge when Kay made his request in 1990.

With the green light from Ferrari, Kay (who has a background in MV Agusta restoration and modification) started by scratch-building a 900cc transverse DOHC eight valve four cylinder engine and custom frame of the famous Reynolds 531 tubing, with both engine and frame engineered and finished to an impeccable standard.

Bodywork on the Ferrari bike was all aluminium, created by Terry Hall, who also fabricated the reverse cone megaphone exhausts. Finished in red - of course! - the bodywork also featured twin head and tail lights, subtle '900 DOHC' badging on the ducktail, and Testarossa-inspired side openings. The instrument panel was custom-built, with an integral brake master cylinder amongst the unique touches. Some 'factory' parts on the bike included Forcelle Italia USD front forks, WP rear suspension, Brembo disc brakes, and 17-inch Astralite wheels.

Four years and an estimated 3,000 man hours later, 'Ferrari 900' was completed. Although never tested, it was claimed the Ferrari bike had a power output of 105bhp at 8,800rpm, and could top 265 kph. Since completion, the Ferrari 900 has lived a pampered life in the owner's drawing room, but had featured in numerous motorcycling magazines and on TV. Against a pre-auction estimate of $75,000 - $100,000, this one-off motorcycle sold for $85,500 (AU$137,000 approx.)

A clearance rate of 87 percent and total sales of $2.2 million (AU$3.52m) saw Bonhams 2012 Stafford auction judged one of their best ever. Top seller from this auction was a 1934 Brough Superior SS100, which sold for almost $400,000. As with other recent motorcycle auctions, Brough Superiors and Vincents were the big sellers at Stafford. Second-best seller behind the Brough was a Vincent HRD Series A Rapide, which made just over $361,000, while a 1955 Vincent Black Shadow sold for $199,900.

All prices include buyer's premium